Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) is honored to announce that we have entered into a strategic partnership with the New Mexico Technology Council (NMTC) to support and enhance the 38th Annual Great Minds in STEM Conference, taking place September 17–19, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening connections between industry and higher education, expanding America’s STEM talent pipeline, and showcasing New Mexico’s growing innovation economy to thousands of students, educators, researchers and technology professionals from across the nation.
The 2026 GMiS Conference marks the first time in the organization’s 38-year history that its flagship national conference will be held in New Mexico. The event is expected to bring together more than 2,500 attendees representing industry, government, higher education and K-12 education for three days of professional development, recruiting, networking, competitions and recognition programs celebrating excellence in STEM.
“New Mexico has long been one of America’s most dynamic centers for innovation, research and advanced technology,” said Peter Mellado, Executive Director of Great Minds in STEM. “The New Mexico Technology Council has been instrumental in cultivating that ecosystem, making them an ideal partner as we bring our national conference to Albuquerque. Together, we are creating new opportunities to connect students with employers, strengthen the regional STEM workforce, and showcasing everything New Mexico has to offer.”
“To that end,” Mellado continues, “we’ve carved out time and space at several venues and events to highlight the remarkable contributions NMTC organizations are making to the technology sector over the course of the three-day conference.”
Founded in 1989, Great Minds in STEM is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, developing and recognizing STEM talent through scholarships, leadership development, professional recognition and workforce programs. Its annual conference has become one of the nation’s premier gatherings celebrating STEM excellence while connecting employers with emerging and experienced technical talent.
The New Mexico Technology Council serves as the voice of the state’s technology sector, advancing innovation, economic development and workforce growth through collaboration among technology companies, research institutions, entrepreneurs and community partners.
The 2026 Great Minds in STEM Conference will feature nationally recognized speakers, a STEM Career and Graduate School Fairs, research competitions, STEM Talks, professional development workshops, and the continued co-location of the Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI) Annual Summit and the STARS Computing Core Equinox, making Albuquerque the center of the nation’s STEM community for three days.
Visit www.gmisconference.org for all conference details.
About Great Minds in STEM
Founded in 1989, Great Minds in STEM is dedicated to inspiring, supporting and recognizing students, professionals and leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through scholarships, workforce development, professional recognition and national convenings, GMiS works to ensure that the nation’s STEM workforce reflects the full spectrum of America’s talent pool.
About the New Mexico Technology Council
The New Mexico Technology Council is the state’s premier membership organization supporting technology companies, entrepreneurs and innovation leaders. Through advocacy, networking, workforce development and strategic partnerships, NMTC works to strengthen New Mexico’s technology ecosystem and accelerate economic growth across the state.